FIFA reject claims that World Cup refs have been told to be lenient

Sky Sports

FIFA have rejected suggestions that referees have been told not to hand out red and yellow cards in order to provide a more entertaining World Cup.

The spotlight has moved away from the players and onto the referees following Brazil's bruising quarterfinal clash with Colombia, during which Brazil striker Neymar suffered a tournament-ending back injury.

A tournament-high 54 fouls were committed during the game and Spanish referee Carlos Velasco Carballo has faced heavy criticism for allowing 41 unfair challenges to take place before issuing a yellow card.

German newspaper Bild reported that FIFA referees chief Massimo Busacca had told officials to limit cards in order to improve the spectacle, provoking an angry response from FIFA's chief spokesman Walter De Gregorio.

"(The story) that there is a secret plan from FIFA telling the referees not to sanction with yellow or red cards in order to have more entertainment or television shares," De Gregorio said.

"In other words that FIFA is risking and tolerating that players like Neymar and others are injured. This is just unacceptable."

Brazil's total of 31 fouls committed during the game with Colombia is their highest in a World Cup match since records began in 1966.